PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Awarded $3.52 Million to Transform International Bridge Operations Through BOLT Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to announce that it has been awarded $3,520,000 in federal funding to advance the Bridge Operations & Logistics Transformation (BOLT) Project, a major investment that will modernize operations at the Pharr International Bridge, enhance public safety, and strengthen Pharr’s role as a national trade gateway. The funding, secured by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, will support critical infrastructure upgrades designed to improve efficiency, safety, and traffic flow at the Pharr International Bridge, one of the nation’s most important land ports of entry.
“Investing in South Texas communities is my top priority, and I am proud to deliver $3.52 million for the City of Pharr’s BOLT project,” said Congresswoman De La Cruz. She added, “This funding will streamline logistics and enhance safety for a crossing that is essential to the economic strength of Texas.”
Through the BOLT Project, the City of Pharr will implement comprehensive upgrades at the Pharr International Bridge. Planned improvements include repaving the bridge entry area and key sections of the bridge, transforming the existing canopy into an Outbound Operations Facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Pharr Police Department, installing a new bridge entry gantry and electronic signage to improve traffic flow and driver communication, and expanding the Bridge Headquarters to provide additional office, law enforcement, and coordination space. Additional safety improvements will include enhanced lighting, upgraded fencing, restriping of traffic lanes, and the establishment of a CBP Import Lot Command Center to centralize inspections and improve interagency coordination.
As the largest land port for produce imports in the United States, the Pharr International Bridge processes $47 billion in trade annually and plays a vital role in the national supply chain. The bridge is a cornerstone of the regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs tied to logistics, warehousing, agriculture, and international commerce. With Pharr’s continued population growth and reliance on trade and logistics, this investment will help ensure the bridge can safely and efficiently accommodate current demand while preparing for future growth.
“Securing this funding is a major win for the City of Pharr and for our entire region,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The Pharr International Bridge is a vital gateway for trade and economic activity, and these improvements will help us move goods more efficiently, strengthen public safety, and ensure we are prepared for continued growth,” he continued. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz and our federal partners for securing this funding and for their continued support of critical infrastructure investments in our community,” added Mayor Hernandez.
The BOLT Project, which is expected to start construction in 2026, will deliver long-term public benefits by improving national security, reducing wait times, enhancing traffic flow, and strengthening coordination among agencies. These improvements will support local businesses, improve the movement of goods and national supply chains, and position Pharr to remain a competitive hub for international trade while enhancing safety for both commercial drivers and travelers.
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